Friday, February 28, 2014

Former Vernon Vipers forward Cory Kane has been named WCHA Player of the week. Kane in his fourth season at Ferris State University. Kane played two years in Vernon (2008-2010) In 119 regular season games with the Vipers Kane collected (42-goals-55-assists-97-points).

Ferris State Senior Cory Kane Tabbed As WCHA Offensive Player Of The Week

February 26, 2014

Big Rapids, Mich. - For the 10th time this season, a Ferris State University men's ice hockey student-athlete has claimed Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Player of the Week laurels as senior forward Cory Kane claimed this week's Offensive honor.

Kane, who sparked the Bulldogs to a two-game conference sweep over third place Alaska Anchorage and back into sole possession of first place in league standings, earned the WCHA Men's Offensive Player of the Week Award for Feb. 25, 2014.

A 6-1, 200-pound senior from Irvine, Calif., Kane produced four scoring points in the two FSU victories with a goal and three assists, fired a team-high eight shots on goal and earned a +3 plus/minus rating. The back-to-back wins stretched the Bulldogs' lead to four points atop the WCHA standings with two weeks to go in the regular season.

In the series opener at the Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids last Friday (Feb. 21), Kane had an assist on his team's final goal to seal a 4-2 win, along with five shots on goal and a +1 rating.

Kane came back with a three-point effort last Saturday (Feb. 22), earning First Star of the Game honors and pushing his point-scoring streak to six straight games. He tallied a goal and two assists in the Bulldogs' 5-3 win over UAA before a sold out crowd, moving FSU's home record to 12-1-1 overall and 11-0-1 in WCHA games. He had an assist along with an unassisted goal in the first period, then had the primary assist on Andy Huff's shorthanded game-winner in the second frame. For the weekend, Kane also had four blocks.

With this week's recognition, Kane becomes the fifth different FSU player to earn either Offensive, Defensive or Rookie recognition in the league this campaign. He joins sophomore forward Matt Robertson as an offensive recipient to date while freshman forward Kyle Schempp previously earned Rookie of the Week laurels. Junior defenseman Jason Binkley was a Defensive Player of the Week winner while junior goaltender CJ Motte has claimed the WCHA's defensive nod six times to date this campaign.

The Bulldogs, who are currently ranked fourth nationally this week in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll along with the United States College Hockey Online (USCHO) rankings, hold a 23-7-3 overall record to date, which represents the second-most wins in the nation.

This weekend, the Bulldogs will play their final regular-season road series as they travel to Fairbanks, Alaska, to face the Alaska Nanooks on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 28-March 1. Both games are scheduled for 11:07 p.m. (ET) starts. FSU begins the final four-game stretch of the regular-season with a four-point lead over second place Minnesota State atop the WCHA.

Following this week's trip to Alaska, FSU will then return home to host Lake Superior State in its final two regular-season outings on March 7-8 during "Senior Weekend" in Big Rapids with a special "Buy One, Get One Free" promotional offer available while supplies last.

Additionally, FSU has already clinched home ice for the opening round of the WCHA Playoffs. Ferris State will host an opponent to be determined in a best-of-three series set for March 14-16 with the winner advancing to the WCHA Final Five Championship on March 21-22 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.

Tickets for both the final regular-season series along with the first round of the WCHA Playoffs are currently on sale now and can be purchased thru the FSU Athletics Ticket Office, online at StarTickets.com or by calling 1-800-585-3737. For additional information, please visit FerrisStateBulldogs.com or call 231-591-2888.

Already feeling distraught and embarrassed by their futile effort, the Vernon Vipers didn’t get any further humiliation from their coaches Wednesday night in Trail.

Instead, they were simply told to shower and be on the bus home in 15 minutes.

After posting gutsy home wins over the Penticton Vees and the Salmon Arm SilverBacks, the Vipers blew a 5-1 lead and lost 6-5 to the Smoke Eaters before 700 B.C. Hockey League fans at Cominco Arena.

The last-place Smokies had lost a dozen straight and dressed just 13 skaters, but found a way to erase a 5-1 first-period deficit for their 10th win of the season.

“You could hear a pin drop on the bus,” said Vipers’ associate coach Kris Mallette. “We were taking shortcuts like crazy and our systems went out the window. Even when we built the 5-1 lead, it wasn’t like we were doing anything great. Their goalie, Dustin (Nikkel), was having a rough game and we got some lucky, fortuitus bounces.

“It was borderline comical, only in that there should have been some penalties called on them. But, had we stuck to some structure, we would have been fine. They have nobody to blame but themselves. Our penalty kill was atrocious, our powerplay was atrocious and our defence was atrocious.”

The Vipers, who have locked up third place in the Interior Division, finish the regular season Saturday night in Merritt versus the Centennials.

Vernon rested captain Ryan Renz, who is nursing a lower-body injury, and gave forward TJ Dumonceaux the green light to deal with a family matter in Kelowna. NHL-rated forward Demico Hannoun remains on injured reserve.

“Welcome to Trail’s world,” said Mallette. “Their 13 guys outworked us. The only good thing is we can’t dwell on this because we have to be ready for Merritt.”

Michael Statchuk, 2:11 into the tilt, and Dexter Dancs, 75 seconds later, put the Vipers in front. Liam Coughlin upped the lead 21 seconds later before Bryan Basilico replied for the Smokies a minute after.

Just 31 seconds later, Logan Mick made it 4-1 Vernon with Michael McNicholas completing the Viper offence with four minutes left in the period.

The Smokies got powerplay snipes from Basilico and Scott Davidson, 1:30 apart, late in the second period to make things interesting.

Zane Schartz, at 2:54, and Davidson, with four minutes remaining, on another powerplay, levelled the score. Braeden Cross counted the winner with 2:47 to play.

Dancs added three assists and will likely take Player of the Month for the Vipers. Brendan Persley pocketed two helpers.

Nikkel was pulled after Mick’s goal and replaced by Adam Todd, who made 26 saves. Austin Smith took the loss with 31 stops.

The Cents grabbed the fourth and final Interior playoff berth by bouncing the visiting SilverBacks 5-1 Wednesday night before 875 fans.

Jeff Wight, a projected NHL draft, scored twice and ex-Viper d-man Jason Bird had a single for the Cents. Salmon Arm will will finish fifth.

SNAKE BITES: Vernon’s home games in the first round will be Friday and Saturday of next week. They will open with either the Penticton Vees or West Kelowna Warriors... Viper grad Cory Kane, a senior with Ferris State Bulldogs, is the Western Collegiate Hockey Association offensive player of the week after getting 2+5 in a two-game conference sweep of Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond was called up yesterday to the Ottawa Senators from the American Hockey League (AHL) Binghamton Senators. Hammond is in his first pro season with the Senators farm club was tonight's backup to Senators starting goaltender Robin Lehner who was pulled late in the 2nd period after giving up six goals on fifteen Detroit shots. Hammond would finish the game playing just over thirty four minutes stopping all eleven Red Wing shots in a 6-1 loss to Detroit.

Hammond played parts of two years in Vernon (2007-2009) after coming over in a trade with the Surrey Eagles during the 2007-08 season. In 52 regular season games with the Vipers Hammond posted a (33-15-1) record recording 6 shutouts.

OTTAWA -- Johan Franzen has a nose for the net at Canadian Tire Centre.

Franzen scored his sixth career hat trick, and Tomas Tatar and Tomas Jurco each had a goal and an assist to lead the Detroit Red Wings to a 6-1 win against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday.

Riley Sheahan scored the first of four Detroit goals in the first period. Niklas Kronwall had three assists, and Gustav Nyquist had two.

"I like playing here," said Franzen, who has nine goals in his past three games in Ottawa. "You've got Erik Karlsson on the other side, and we grew up in the same little town, and it's always fun to come in and play him, you know, it's something special every time, but I'm just happy that we could keep him from the scoreboard."

Jonas Gustavsson made 37 saves for the Red Wings, who beat the Montreal Canadiens 2-1 in overtime Wednesday in their first game following the break for the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

"Well, I didn't think we played very good, but we were able to capitalize on our chances," Kronwall said. "Monster came up huge for us in net, and we scored pretty much on the chances that we had."

Pavel Datsyuk, who is playing through a knee injury, sat out the third period. The Red Wings said it was for precautionary reasons.

Bobby Ryan scored for Ottawa in the Senators' first game since the break. Robin Lehner stopped 9 of 15 shots before he was pulled after Detroit's sixth goal.

"We made some mistakes, and I wasn't there to back it up," Lehner said.

Andrew Hammond made his NHL debut when he came on to replace Lehner after Tatar scored at 5:04 to restore Detroit's five-goal lead at 6-1. Hammond, who made 11 saves, was recalled from Binghamton of the American Hockey League on Wednesday.

"Any kid from Canada growing up playing hockey, it's their dream to play in the NHL, and it's pretty special for me to be one of those guys that's lucky enough now to say I've played in the NHL," Hammond said.

Ottawa, which lost 7-2 to the Boston Bruins on Feb. 8 in its final game before the Olympic break, will face the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday in the 2014 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic at BC Place to begin a four-game road trip.

"I think they're different games," Senators captain Jason Spezza said. "I think the Boston game, I thought we were outclassed the whole way. I think tonight, they were very opportunistic, and then once they were up four, it's tough to play. They fall back and we try to make plays, but there's no doubt they're both big losses, and both games we can't have happen."

Sheahan took advantage of a turnover by Cody Ceci in the Senators zone to open the scoring. The Ottawa rookie put a backhand pass directly onto the stick of Sheahan, who beat Lehner at 10:59.

Public address announcer Stuart Schwartz was still announcing Sheahan's goal when Franzen scored 29 seconds later to make it 2-0 at 11:28.

Former Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson set up Franzen's second goal of the game on a power play at 13:27.

Jurco scored the Red Wings' fourth goal of the period at 18:00.

"Things certainly didn't go our way," Senators coach Paul MacLean said. "I thought at the start of the game we were … the start was good, I thought we came out and got started, but we turned the puck over four times in the first period, and they put it in our net all four times (and) the game's over."

Franzen, who has five points in two games after missing 22 of 23 games prior to the Olympic break because of a concussion, made it 5-0 with his third goal of the game at 3:49 of the second. He nearly added a fourth, putting a shot off the right post in the third.

He and Senators right wing Chris Neil were given 10-minute misconduct penalties following a skirmish at 14:05 of the third. Neil was also given minors for roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct.

"He tried to hit me and he couldn't move me, so I think he got a little upset," Franzen said. "I don't know; I have no clue."

Ryan got the Senators on the board to make it 5-1 at 4:19 of the second with his team-leading 22nd goal after having a goal disallowed in the first. A video review upheld referee Dave Jackson's ruling that the Senators right wing kicked the puck into the net at 3:04 of the opening period.

Babcock elected to leave Todd Bertuzzi out of the lineup for the second of back-to-back games. The veteran forward scored his first goal since Dec. 10 on Wednesday in his return to the lineup after he was a healthy scratch for eight games in a row prior to the Olympic break.

The Red Wings' next game is Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center.

The Ottawa Senators have called up former Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond. It is reported Hammond will back up Robin Lehner against the Detroit Red Wings tonight.

Hammond is in his first season with the American Hockey League (AHL) Binghamton Senators. In 32 games this season Hammond is 17-12-3 with a 3.02 GAA. Hammond spent the previous four years at Bowling Green University before signing with the Ottawa Senators on March 20th 2013. The Senators farm club American Hockey League (AHL) Binghamton Senators signed Hammond to a amateur try-out contract on March 27th 2013. Hammond attended the Ottawa Senators development camp (July 3rd-9th) before playing in a few exhibition games with the Senators. (no stats).

Hammond attended the Chicago Blackhawks development camp last year (July) went (10-15-3) with three shutouts and a 2.47 GAA last season at Bowling Green University. Hammond played parts of two years in Vernon (2007-2009) after coming over in a trade with the Surrey Eagles during the 2007-08 season. In 52 regular season games with the Vipers Hammond posted a (33-15-1) record recording 6 shutouts.

OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators (@Senators) today recalled goaltender Andrew Hammond on an emergency basis from the club’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Binghamton Senators.

Hammond, 26, is currently tied for 10th among American Hockey League goaltenders with 17 wins this season. The 6-1, 216-pound netminder has a record of 17-12-3, in addition to a 3.02 goals-against-average and a .903 save percentage through 33 appearances as a rookie with the B-Sens this season. He recorded his first professional shutout in making 29 saves in a 8-0 home win over Worcester on Feb. 15.

Prior to turning professional, Hammond, a native of Surrey, B.C., recorded 30 wins and seven shutouts over four collegiate seasons with Bowling Green State University. In his final season with the Falcons, he recorded a 2.47 goals-against-average and a .917 save percentage while helping his team to the CCHA semifinals.

At the conclusion of his collegiate career, Hammond signed a two-year entry level contract with the Senators on March 20, 2013.

Ottawa returns to action when the club hosts the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

This is posted on NHL.com

Senators recall Hammond with Anderson at home

Wednesday, 02.26.2014

NHL.com

The Ottawa Senators have recalled goaltender Andrew Hammond to serve as the backup to Robin Lehner on Thursday in the absence of Craig Anderson.

Anderson traveled home to Florida this week to be with his wife, who was expecting the couple's second child.

The Senators announced the recall of Hammond from Binghamton of the American Hockey League on Wednesday, and the Ottawa Sun reported he would back up Lehner against the Detroit Red Wings.

"Nothing forthcoming at this point," coach Paul MacLean said after practice prior to the recall. "We'll wait to hear, and right now we're prepared for Robin to be the goalie, and if we need to bring Hammond or [Nathan] Lawson, we're prepared to do that. So right now that's where it stands."

Hammond is 17-12-3 with a 3.02 goals-against average and .903 save percentage in 33 games of his first AHL season.

Defenseman Erik Karlsson practiced Wednesday for the first time since returning from the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where he won a silver medal for Sweden.

"I thought he was a little slower, he just came 14 time zones," MacLean told the Senators website. "We were pleased that Erik skated today, it was his decision to come out and practice. I thought it was good, he had a good experience over there. Even though it was settling for a silver medal, it was still a good experience for him and that should be good for us."

CALGARY, Alberta (February 25, 2014) – The final week of the regular season in the CJHL has arrived, and the race to secure final playoff spots is close in nearly all leagues. There was great drama in the OJHL on Sunday evening as the Toronto Junior Canadiens slipped past the Oakville Blades 6-5 in overtime, to take the Sudden Victory game and snag the final playoff spot in the OJHL.

On the west coast, the Victoria Grizzlies and Langley Rivermen of the BCHL continued their strong play, while the Vernon Vipers have found their game and beat their closest competitors in the tough Interior Division in the last 5 games. In the AJHL, the Spruce Grove Saints were shutout in Fort McMurray by the Oil Barons who were then beaten by the Sherwood Park Crusaders. The Brooks Bandits are followed closely by the Okotoks Oilers and the Drumheller Dragons and the recent fine play of the Camrose Kodiaks and Canmore Eagles cannot be ignored with the first round of the playoffs right around the corner.

In the SJHL, the Yorkton Terriers have created some breathing room atop the overall standings, and the recent 8-1-0-1 record of the Battlefords North Stars will make things very interesting heading into the playoffs. The Selkirk Steelers are dominating the MJHL, while the Soo Thunderbirds of the NOJHL, and the Fort Frances Lakers of the SIJHL each continue their sturdy play with solid leads over the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners and the Thunder Bay North Stars respectively.

The Kingston Voyageurs wrapped up the regular season on top of the overall standings in the OJHL, and look to continue their strong play heading into the playoffs. The Carleton Place Canadians of the CCHL, have had a truly spectacular season, are joined in this week’s Top 20 by the Smiths Falls Bears who move from the Honourable Mention list to number 18 in the Top 20 with strong performances.

Les Pantheres de Saint Jerome will clinch the top spot in the LHJAAAQ, while in the MHL, the Truro Bearcats have moved ahead of the Miramichi Timberwolves with just a few games left in the regular season.

The CJHL Top 20 weekly rankings are based upon a variety of factors, including the league in which the team plays, winning percentage, win-loss record, total points accumulated, goals-for versus goals-against ratio, etc.

About the CJHL

The Canadian Junior Hockey League is a national organization comprised of all 10 Junior A hockey leagues in Canada. The CJHL represents more than 120 teams and 2,500 players and has over 2,800 former players furthering their hockey careers at the professional, major junior and college level across North America. For latest CJHL news and features, visit www.cjhlhockey.com and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/cjhlhockey or @cjhlhockey.

Vernon Vipers forward Brett Mulcahy will play his 200th career BCHL game tonight vs the Trail Smoke Eaters. Mulcahy playing with his third team in five BCHL seasons is in his first season with the Vipers after coming over in a trade with the Surrey Eagles on January 6th. The Vipers sent forward Chase McMurphy & future considerations to Surrey for future considerations & Brett Mulcahy. In 17 games this season with the Vipers Mulcahy has (6-goals-3-assists-9-points). In 199 career BCHL games Mulcahy has (58-goals-57-assists-115-points).

Tonight is the eighth and final regular season meeting between the Vipers and Smoke Eaters. The Vipers won the last meeting between these two teams 7-3 in Trail on February 12th 2014. Vernon leads the season series 6-1. You can listen to tonight's game live with Graham Turnbull starting with the pre-game show at 7:15pm on 107.5 Kiss FM

The Vernon Vipers will finish the regular season with a two game road trip starting tonight in Trail make their fourth and final visit of the regular season to the Cominco Arena. The Vipers have won five straight are coming off a 4-3 victory over the visiting Penticton Vees Saturday night. Vernon sits in 3rd place four points back of West Kelowna & Penticton who are tied for top spots in the Division and are seven points up on 4th place Merritt. The Vipers are 7-1-1-1 in their last ten games have lost just twice in the month of February. The Vipers come into tonight's matchup with a 6-1 record vs Trail this season. These same two teams met just two weeks ago in Trail where the Vipers come away with a 7-3 victory.

Brett Mulcahy (29-15-44) leads the Vipers in goals with twenty nine while Michael McNicholas (22-45-67) leads the Vipers in points with sixty seven.

The Trail Smoke Eaters return home after a two game road trip wich saw them lose in Penticton & West Kelowna over the weekend. Trail is coming off a 5-2 loss in West Kelowna Saturday has lost twelve straight. The Smoke Eaters last victory was on January 17th in Surrey. Trail will finish the regular season with two of their final three games on home ice. The Smokies sit last place in the league with just nine wins and have scored the least amount of goals with 138. Trail has given up the leagues second highest goals with 255. The Smoke Eaters last win at home was January 3rd after a 4-1 win over Vernon.

For more on tonight's game and the Trail Smoke Eaters visit Josh Hoffman's Trail Smoke Eaters blog,

They are the hottest team in the B.C. Hockey League at the most important part of the season.

The Vernon Vipers, while playing fourth-liners on their No. 1 line due to injuries and suspension, extended their winning streak to five games Saturday night by shading the Penticton Vees 4-3 before 2,100 fans at Kal Tire Place.

It was the Vipers’ final home game of the regular season. They play the Trail Smoke Eaters tonight and meet the Merritt Centennials Saturday to finish their schedule.

Just who the Snakes (30-16-4-6) will face in the opening playoff round remains to be determined. The Vees and West Kelowna Warriors share first place with two games remaining. The Warriors play a home and home series with the last-place Smokies, while the Vees face the SilverBacks in a similar series.

The Cents need one point to knock Salmon Arm out of the post-season. Merritt hosts the Gorillas tonight.

Vernon, who will finish third and play the second-place team in round 1, got goals from defencemen Ryan Renz, 81 seconds in, and Josh Bryan, and another from winger Brendan Persely (first star with 1+1) to go up 3-0 midway through the first period.

Renz was assessed a double minor high sticking after drawing blood on Shane McColgan late in the first period and the Vees responded with Brad McClure and McColgan recording powerplays snipes 71 seconds apart early in the second.

Said Renz: “They popped in two there in the second when I was in the box and we could have let them get all the momentum, getting back within a goal, but we shut them down and put ourselves in a good position to win.”

TJ Dumonceaux, who enjoyed a high-energy weekend getting first-line minutes, made it 4-2 at 10:40 of the second. He banged in a rebound from in tight with flu-stricken Michael McNicholas and Bryan drawing assists.

The Vees (34-16-2-4) pressed hard in the third and pulled within a goal when Cody DePourcq connected 5:38 into the third. The Vipers, who ran with 10 forwards, hung on and got some stellar netminding from Danny Todosychuk the rest of the way.

Renz, Viper captain, is high on what makes the Vipers roll these days.

“I think just the will to win. That’s what we’ve seen lately. Obviously, there’s skill, there’s speed, there’s size. When we can overcome adversity with guys being out of the lineup and still put together wins like this against the other top teams in our division, it shows something about the team.”

The Vees outshot the Vipers 36-26 with Olivier Mantha taking the loss. Penticton won the season series 5-2.

Said Vees’ captain Brad McClure, who’s having a fabulous season with 39 goals and 77 points: “It was a back and forth, playoff-type game with a lot of hitting and emotion. You can expect both teams to be pretty feisty in the playoffs. We had lots of chances and they had lots of chances, and they happened to get one more than we did.”

“We’re a pretty defensive team and that’s what we focus on. We let the offence take care of itself and sometimes pucks and bounces just go your ways, and that’s just part of hockey.”

With Demico Hannoun on injured reserve and Liam Coughlin serving his final game of a suspension, the Vipers used Dumonceaux and Logan Mick as wings with first-line centre Mason Blacklock, who just returned from IR.

“A lot of guys are stepping up,” said Dumonceaux, who was flying at both ends of the rink. “There are bigger roles for guys that aren’t usually in that position like myself. I’m not usually a first-line guy and I’m trying to do what I can to help the boys win.”

The 19-year-old Kelowna roadrunner is stoked about the playoffs.

“We’re ready for whoever we’re gonna get. Pen or Westside, they’re both good teams. We’re coming in pretty hot which is really good for us and we’re looking forward to playoffs for sure, first time in three years.”

Prince George Spruce Kings goalie Alex Murray has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending Feb. 23, the league announced on Monday.

Murray was in net for all three games in an undefeated road trip for the Spruce Kings. He was named 1st Star and the FortisBC Energy Player of the Game in a 4-1 win in Coquitlam where he made 32 stops and came off the bench to help PG to a come-from-behind 5-4 double-overtime victory in Chilliwack. He capped his week with a 36-save performance for an shortstaffed PG squad in a 3-3 draw with rival Langley.

The Burlington, Ont. native made 88 saves on 94 shots in the three games, good enough for a 0.936 save percentage. He also posted a 1.97 goals-against average.

Honourable mentions this week:

Powell River Kings F Jarid Lukosevicius: 4G, 3A, two 1st Stars

West Kelowna Warriors D Braden Pears: 4A, 1st Star, FortisBC Energy Player of the Game

Monday, February 24, 2014

The 2013-14 Central Hockey League season marks 50 years since the founding of the "Original CHL" and throughout the historic anniversary season, the CHL will be showcasing important players, coaches and figures that are woven into the fabric of that historic league that began play in 1963. One of these players is former Vernon Essos forward Dave "Tiger" Williams. Williams played one season in Vernon (1970-71) with the Essos. Williams was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in Round 2 31st overall in the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft.

The 2013-14 Central Hockey League season marks 50 years since the founding of the "Original CHL" and throughout the historic anniversary season, the CHL will be showcasing important players, coaches and figures that are woven into the fabric of that historic league that began play in 1963.

Tiger Williams is most known as the NHL’s all-time leader in penalty minutes with 3,966 minutes accumulated in 14 seasons. The Weyburn, Saskatchewan native had a good all-around game that had him scoring 241 goals with 272 assists during his career with a high-water mark of 35 goals in 1980-81 with Vancouver.

“Tiger” played for five NHL teams including Toronto, Vancouver, Hartford, Los Angeles and Detroit and earned his nickname at the age of 5-years-old from his junior coach.

His rookie season saw him play in the CHL with the Oklahoma City Blazers. In 39 games, Williams scored 16 goals with 11 assists accumulating 202 penalty minutes.

The Cleveland Indians have signed former Vernon Vipers
defenceman Nyjer Morgan to a Minor League contract. Morgan returns to the Majors after playing last season in Japan where he spent the 2013-14 season with the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Yokohama DeNa BayStars. Morgan & the Indians open the 2014-15 MLB Spring Training season Wednesday vs the Cincinnati Reds.

Morgan signed with the BayStars on January 23rd 2013 after spending the previous two seasons with the MLB Milwaukee Brewers before electing free agency, a day after the Brewers hastened his departure by outrighting him from the 40-man roster.

Morgan was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. On September 1st 2007 Morgan made his major league debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers as a late-season call-up. On June 30 2009 Morgan was traded to the Washington Nationals along with pitcher Sean Burnett in exchange for outfielder Lastings Milledge and pitcher Joel Hanrahan. On March 27 2011 Morgan was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for prospect Cutter Dykstra (son of baseball player Lenny Dykstra). Morgan played for three MLB teams, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Washington before heading to Japan.
Morgan attended the Vernon Vipers Training camp in 1996-97. Morgan played as an "AP" as a 16 year old with the Vipers during the (1996-1997) season while playing with the KIJHL North Okanagan Kings.

Speedy and fiery outfielder, now 33, returns after playing one year in Japan

By Jason Beck / MLB.com | 1/16/2014

The man known as Tony Plush is heading back to the big leagues. Nyjer Morgan, as he's better known, has his spot in camp, and the Indians have a veteran outfielder to add to their Spring Training mix.

The Indians officially announced Thursday that they've signed Morgan to a Minor League contract to go to camp as a non-roster invite with the Indians, returning the former Brewers star to the United States after a season in Japan.

Morgan, a speedster with three different National League teams, will be one of the oldest candidates vying for a spot in Cleveland's outfield at age 33. It was the chance to compete for a big league job, he said, that drew him to Cleveland.

Morgan last played in the Majors with the Brewers two years ago after becoming a regular in Pittsburgh and Washington in 2009 and 2010. He was an enthusiastic, emotional sparkplug for the Brewers in their run to the postseason in 2011, batting .304 with a .357 on-base percentage, 20 doubles, 13 stolen bases, 37 RBIs and 61 runs scored in 429 plate appearances. It was the second time in three years that he topped a .750 OPS in everyday playing time.

His energy off the field drew just as much attention, if not more so. He created the Tony Plush name as an alter ego and it blossomed into a Twitter personality, drawing more than 70,000 followers to @TheRealTPlush and quickly making him one of the characters of the game. He added more personalities as his career went on.

His emotion had its drawbacks, including exchanges with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. For the most part, however, his personality seemed to keep teammates and himself loose.

"I just have to be myself," Morgan told reporters during the 2011 playoffs. "I can't sugarcoat it for anybody. This is who I am. I'm going to be out there and I'm going to go out there and have fun.

"I might get under people's skin a little bit. But, as long as it's for the right things, and I'm out there hustling and doing what I'm supposed to do to win for my organization, I'm going to be me."

After his 2012 season, however, he was no longer a Brewer, having ceded center field to Carlos Gomez. Morgan signed a one-year deal with the Yokohama BayStars, then overcame a slow start to bat .294 with 11 homers, 50 RBIs and a .361 on-base percentage. Again, his personality proved infectious in his clubhouse.

He'll try to bring a similar influence to an Indians clubhouse that had a personality boost last season from another free-agent outfielder, Nick Swisher. The Indians already have their outfield speed with center fielder Michael Bourn and Michael Brantley, and they already signed David Murphy this offseason to help fill the other spot alongside Ryan Raburn.

Cleveland's depth, however, could use a veteran boost. That's where Morgan might have a chance to fit in.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. Read Beck's Blog and follow him on Twitter @beckjason. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

A brand new feature that will run weekly on Ryan Watters website. Watters is the broadcaster for the Okanagan Sun football team as well as Director of broadcasting & media relations with the Kelowna Falcons baseball team as well has worked with the WHL Kelowna Rockets.

This has a similar format and look to the BCHL this Week that runs on the TEAM 1410. Every week Vernon Vipers play by guy Graham Turnbull, West Kelowna Warriors play by play guy Jon Zacks and Penticton Vees play by play man Fraser Rodgers will bring you up to date with whats going on with the three local Okanagan teams.

This is posted on Ryan Watters website:

This Week in the BCHL – Episode 16

February 21st 2014

A detailed look around the Interior Division of the BC Hockey League. “This Week in the BCHL” is a special presentation of the Okanagan Sports Network and will focus on the West Kelowna Warriors, Vernon Vipers, Merritt Centennials and Penticton Vees on their quest to the RBC Cup.

The show is hosted by the voice of the Vipers Graham Turnbull and produced by the Okanagan Sports Network

Who they face in round 1 is undetermined with the Vees holding a two-point cushion on the second-place West Kelowna Warriors after both teams posted wins Saturday night.

The fourth dance partner will be either the SilverBacks or Merritt Centennials. The Cents lost 5-3 to West Kelowna so went into Saturday’s road date with Salmon Arm four points ahead and the Gorillas holding one game in hand.

Alternate captain Brendan Persley is in his third season with the Snakes but wasn’t bringing up the last two losing years.

“I don’t think the guys are too worried about what happened in the past,” said Persley, who blocked shots and tossed some heavy hits all night.

“We clinched tonight and that’s all that really matters. Now we’re just looking to go forward, end the season strong with three wins and then go into the playoffs on a high note, and just take it from there.”

TJ Dumonceaux banged in a loose puck on a wild scramble just outside the SilverBack crease, with 1:44 left in the first overtime.

D-man Kenny Citron carried the puck deep into the Salmon Arm zone, cut to the net and was denied by goalie Angus Richmond, who came out three feet to challenge for the puck. Citron and Dumonceaux whacked away at the loose puck for a good five seconds.

Earlier, d-man Josh Bryan did a decent Duncan Keith impersonation for the 2-2 equalizer four minutes into the second period. Bryan took a gorgeous pass from Dexter Dancs inside the Gorillas’ zone, made a sweet deke and slid a backhander along the ice into an empty cage. Colton Sparrow also had an assist.

“When the defence score, it’s definitely a big help to the forwards,” smiled Persley, a 20-year-old Kelowna product.

“They kind of relax and kind of just focus on the dee zone and that’s what happened tonight. We were missing our goal scorers tonight and the boys still found a way which is nice.”

The Vipers (29-16-4-6) were missing 55 goals of offence with Demicon Hannoun on injured reserve, Liam Coughlin suspended and leading scorer Michael McNicholas in sick bay with a stomach ailment. The SilverBacks used three affiliates and had 22 goals out of the lineup, but both teams showed enough energy and grit for a pretty entertaining tilt.

“I thought all the guys just kind of pulled together,” said Bryan, an alternate captain who has five goals. “McNicks was supposed to play and then he was out at game time and we had scoring from up and down our lineup and that’s we need going into playoffs. Guys are going to get hurt and it’s nice to know that even with those high goal scorers out, we can still pull off a win.”

Both teams were running on fumes in the third period and overtime, but Bryan said the Vipers were not going to break down.

“You have to think, ‘Twenty more minutes and then we can rest up.’ It’s more than worth it to pull out a win over those guys, rivals all year. We owed them an OT win from last time we were in Salmon Arm so no amount of fatigue can take that fire out of you.”

Bryan and McNicholas were obtained in the deal for Viper all-star Aaron Hadley last winter, showing up for training camp last summer.

“We thought it was going to be a little earlier, on, especially with this roster, but the Interior Conference is really good and really tight,” said Bryan. “We’re there and we’re happy to be there. We’re starting to peak now; that’s four in a row. We’re confident we can beat anyone in the Interior and the league.”

Sparrow nicely finished his 11th of the year on a two-on-one with Logan Mick, shovelling in a rolling puck just inches from Redmond, for Vernon’s first goal, 12:09 into the first period.

Vernon product product Alex Gillies and league-leading pointgetter Landon Smith produced the SilverBack snipes. Gillies pocketed his 26th and almost ended the game but was stoned by Austin Smith in the dying minutes.

“I just fanned on it trying to get it up,” said Gillies, headed to Michigan Tech next fall. “That could have been a game-changer but that’s the way it goes. I thought we had a good game, overall. We needed to do better in the second period when we let them get two goals.”

SilverBacks’ head coach Troy Mick figured the whistle should have gone before Dumonceaux buried the winner, but he was going to wait 24 hours to argue his case with the league, and take the point.

“Obviously, we were up 2-0 and Vernon battled back to make it 2-2 and good on them. They got the point that they needed to make the playoffs and the got the winner.”

Salmon Arm visits the Cents Wednesday night so need a sweep to stand a chance at the playoffs. They also face the Vees in a home and home series so somewhat control their fate.

“Hypothetically,” said Mick. “You gotta get win games to get in and that’s why that call hurts, but again, we got a point in a tough rink against a good hockey team so we gotta take it all positive and get ready for tomorrow night”

SNAKE BITES: The Vipers went with 10 veteran forwards and used North Okanagan Knights affiliate Blaine Caton sparingly...Thomas Plese of the SilverBacks rung a shot off the crossbar and seconds later, picked off a Mick backhand at the point and lost control of the puck on a breakaway five minutes into the second period...Mick took a gorgeous stretch pass from D Riley Guenther and was stopped by Redmond on his own second-period breakaway...Guenther fought Jack Berezan in a non-eventful scrap midway through the third...Michael Statchuk, who has played every position but net this season, was awarded the Wayne Buck Memorial Award for hard work and unselfish play. Bucky’s widow, Sharon, picked the winner. Wayne, a former Viper public address announcer, died in 2009...Brett Mennear’s third-period goal was the Warriors’ winner over the Centennials. Adam Tracey and Sam Johnson scored for Merritt to get them back within one but Adam Osczevski got insurance with just under four minutes left.Andy Desautels made 41 saves for the win... Brett Beauvais scored twice in the third period to key a come-from-behind 4-2 win for the Vees over the visiting Smokies Scott Davidson and Jesse Knowler scored 1:35 apart in the middle frame to put the Smokies up two going into the third.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's Vipers-Vees game as Vernon defeated Penticton 4-3 in front of 2,029 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Danny Todosychuk
Penticton: Olivier Mantha

Before tonight's game former Vernon Vipers captain Lennie Rampone awarded Vernon Vipers goaltender Austin Smith with the Vipers player of the month award for February.

1st Period: The Vipers would get a lucky bounce and capitalize scoring early after a Vernon shot would go off the back glass bouncing back out front to a wide open Viper captain Ryan Renz who one-timed a hard blast past Olivier Mantha giving Vernon an early 1-0 lead at 1:21 on the Vipers first shot of the game. Renz's goal was unassisted. The Vees come right back off the following faceoff, getting the puck in deep Penticton's speed and aggresive forecheck took over as the Vees were buzzing in and around the Viper goal. Former Moose Jaw Warrior forward Erik Benoit with a great opportunity early was stopped by Danny Todosychuk. Penticton was outshooting the Vipers 4-1 at this point and carrying the edge in play before Brendan Persley scooped up the puck after it bounced over a Vees defenceman, Persley with a wicked shot from the circle went high gloveside past Mantha giving the Vipers a 2-0 lead on just Vernon's second shot at 5:59 Jared Wilson & Dexter Dancs picked up the assists. But just like the last goal back come the Vees, once again a strong forecheck down low, Penticton moving the puck around found Erik Benoit open in front who couldnt beat Todosychuk who somehow made a tough save while down with bodies in and around the net kept this game at 2-0. Just before the midway mark Erik Benoit for a third time this period couldnt beat Danny Todosychuk after trying a wrap around. Just over a minute later the Vipers with a huge hit inside their own zone opened up some ice for former Surrey Eagles forward Nic Pierog who was stopped in the slot by Todosychuk as the Vees outplaying and outshooting Vernon 7-2 at this point. On the same play back come the Vipers, TJ Dumonceaux with a chance at the side of the net went high but was stopped by Olivier Mantha who caught the puck up high. Shortly after Brendan Persley was stopped by Mantha before Josh Bryan scored on the rebound giving Vernon a 3-0 lead at 11:04 Persley with the lone helper. This was the end of the night for Vees starting goaltender Olivier Mantha who gave up three Viper goals on just five Vernon shots. Hunter Miska was now between the pipes for the Vees. The Vipers who were being outplayed at this point happened to score on their opportunities finally were able to settle down and get some pressure and play in the offensive zone for a few minutes evening the level of play for a few minutes before getting into penalty trouble. Penticton would get the games first powerplay but a strong penalty kill by Vernon only gave up one shot as the Vipers killed off the penalty. Just after the penalty expired the Vipers would lose Mason Blacklock who took a ten minute misconduct before Vernon would give the Vees a shortened five on three to end the opening period. The Vees were unable to capitalize and would continue the remaining man advantage into the 2nd period. The Vipers were up 3-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Vipers jumped out to a early 1-0 lead just 1:21 into the game after getting a lucky bounce off the end glass but it was all Penticton most of the period as the Vees strong forecheck and speed were very dangerous down low. Vernon who was very physical was laying the body on almost every opportunity they had managed to score on their chances were lucky to jump out to a 3-0 lead. I dont think you can fault Olivier Mantha but the Vees needed a big save on atleast one of these goals. Penticton outshot Vernon 10-9.

2nd Period: The Vees started the middle frame with a short five on three wich was continuted over from the end of the 1st period would score twice just two minutes into the period. The Vees worked the puck down low before getting it back to Brett Beauvais whos slap-pass went right on the stick to Vees captain Brad McClure who was all alone at the side of the net slid the puck into the open cage getting Penticton on the board cutting the Viper lead to 3-1 just fourty seconds into the period. Beauvais & former WHL all-star forward Shane McColgan with the helpers. The Vees still on the man advantage would once again get the play in deep, moving the puck around down low Erik Benoit with a chance in front couldnt knock down the bouncing puck before Shane McColgan was out front beat Vipers starting goaltender Danny Todosychuk cutting the Vernon lead to 3-2 at 1:51 Brad McClure and Erik Benoit with the assists. Penticton kept coming, the Vees using their speed and aggresive forecheck down low had the Vipers going in circles at times before Vernon would get their offence going and get back into the contest. Dexter Dancs with a long end to end rush cut hard to the net, tried shovelling in the puck past Vees goaltender Hunter Miska who stood his ground making the save. The Vipers would get an early powerplay, their of the night. The Vipers didnt get much going early but would get a flurry of chances late in the man advantage were buzzing in and around the Vees goal but couldnt find the back of the net as the Vees were able to kill off the minor. The Vipers still playing physical were able to contain the Vees and really limit their scoring chances in the second period. The play was even at times but at other times the Vees carried the better of the play. The Vipers would get another break after the Vees were called for an icing on a play where a Penticton player touched the puck. Off the following draw the Vipers were able to work the puck down low to Michael McNicholas who looked to beat Hunter Miska but hit the post before TJ Dumonceaux was able to jump on the rebound putting the puck past Miska giving Vernon a 4-2 lead at 10:40 McNicholas and Josh Bryan picked up the helpers. The Vees would slowly take over the edge in play in the second half and carry the better of the play. Danny Todosychuk had to be sharp making some good saves. Penticton didnt have alot of dangerous scoring chances but were able to get pucks to the net as the Vipers did a great job at keeping the Vees to the outside. I didnt think either team had any real great chances as both teams held each other to limited opportunities. The Vees with a great chance in the final minutes couldnt capitalize on an odd man rush after Matt Serratore with a opportunity in front couldnt beat Todosychuk. At the buzzer both teams got involved in some pushing and shoving just inside the Vernon blueline before the referee and linesmen were forced to break up the little scrum as tempers got heated to end the period. It was 4-2 Vernon after 40 minutes of play. The Vees with two quick back to back powerplay goals made Vernon pay for their undisaplined penalties to end the opening period got right back in the hockey game before the Vipers seemed to settle down and play much better after being outplayed in the 1st. The Vipers were able to get on the board and re-take a two goal lead heading into the third. Penticton outshot Vernon 12-8.

3rd Period: Just a minute and a half into the final frame Mason Blacklock who returned to the Vipers lineup last night after being out with an injury made a great saucer pass to Brett Mulcahy on a two on one rush as Mulcahy was stoned by Hunter Miska going hard to the net, went crashing into the cage knocking the net into the end boards. Miska with his biggest save of the night kept this a two goal game. The Vees who were very strong with the puck, went back to work with a great tansition game got the play in deep and using that speed and forecheck down low really cycled the puck down low getting several shots from in and around the net couldnt beat Danny Todosychuk who was sharp all night. The Vees would eventually cut the Viper lead to within a goal after Michael McNicholas couldnt hold off Nic Pierog who setup Cody DePourcq who got a quick shot off from the slot beat Todosychuk at 5:38 as Vernon with a 4-3 lead with lots of time remaining. Pierog with the assist. Just over two minutes later Penticton would get the periods only powerplay. The Vees with just two shots couldnt beat Danny Todosychuk who was very good between the pipes as the Vipers were able to excape and kill off the minor. I didnt see Logan Mick on the ice or on the Viper bench in the third. The Vees carried the play most of the period were outskating and outplaying Vernon most of the third. The Vipers had all kinds of troubles getting through the neutral zone was basically hanging on for the one goal lead. The Vees did a good job at shutting down Vernon at the neutral zone while the Vipers did a good job at keeping Penticton to the outside and allowing Danny Todosychuk to make the first save before clearing the rebounds. The Vees with several chances didnt get alot of great opportunities were all over the Vipers. The final two minutes was like a fire drill inside the Vernon end as the Vipers couldnt clear the zone were running around in circles as Penticton was able to get Miska to the bench for the extra attacker with a minute remaining. The Vees with atleast two good chances in close couldnt beat Todosychuk before a final faceoff deep in the Vipers zone with just 11.2 seconds remaining. Penticton won the draw got the puck back to the point for a quick shot but the Penticton player going to the net couldnt get his stick on the puck as the Vipers were able to hang on for the 4-3 victory. It was all Penticton as the Vees dominated the play. The Vipers didnt get a shot on goal in atleast the final seven to eight minutes of play hung on for their fifth straight win. The Vees outshot the Vipers 14-9.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Josh Bryan (1 goal) I thought played another solid game on the Viper blueline tonight. Bryan who played very well last night in the win over Salmon Arm was very good this weekend. The veteran twenty yr old adds alot of experience to the Vipers backend was good defensivly and hard to beat one on one.

TJ Dumonceaux (1 goal) What can you say about this kid, comes to play and plays hard game in and game out and showed that again tonight. Dumonceaux with the game winner was all over the rink tonight, played physical, finishing his checks, battled and competed hard all night brought alot of jump and energy to the game.

Brett Mulcahy also played very well tonight, had a rough game. Took a high stick to the face with no call on the play and seemed to be getting under the skin of several Vees players, as Mulcahy seemed to be involved in any little scrum after the whistle. Was really skating hard, played and battled all night.

Brendan Persley (1 goal & 1 assist) Had a strong game for the Vipers. The veteran 20 year old played his usual bump and grind style of game was hitting hard all night, grinding it out down low and along the wall scored a real night goal to give Vernon a 2-0 lead. Not one of the quickest skaters battled and played hard all game.

Ryan Renz (1 goal) For the second straight night I thought was very good. Renz was very steady on the backend most of the night opened the scoring just 1:21 into the game.

Danny Todosychuk (33 saves) Returned to the lineup last night (backup to Austin Smith) played his first game in eight games after returning after an injury. Todosychuk was fairly busy at times as the Vees seemed to be firing everything towards the net. Todosychuk made several good saves in the 1st and 3rd giving his club a chance to win.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

The Vipers jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead but had to hang on for dear life for the 4-3 victory. Vernon who was outplayed and outskated most of the opening period got some good goaltending from Danny Todosychuk before capitalizing on their chances chasing Olivier Mantha from the game. The Vipers with two very undisaplined penalties late to end the 1st period, allowed the Vees to claw right back into the game with two quick back to back goals to start the 2nd period seemed to stay away from the penalty box after that opening period. I thought Vernon played much better in the 2nd were able to skate with the Vees and limited Penticton's chances. The Vipers couldnt get much offence going in the third, had to hang on in the final period for the win. It was scary at times as Vernon's defence really struggled clearing the zone. Danny Todosychuk was very good in the 3rd making some key saves keeping this a one goal game. The Vipers really paniced as soon as they saw the puck and didnt really know what to do with it at times. It was a fire drill in the final four or five minutes as the Vees were really pressing for the game tying goal. Give the Vipers credit, they jumped out to a 3-0 lead and hung on for the win, their fifth in a row. The Vipers did a good job at limiting Penticton's chances also played a very physical game, wearing down the Vees as the game went on. The Vipers also with back to back wins over Penticton within a week gives this team a little confidence as tonight's game could be a 1st round playoff matchup.

Top Players: (Penticton)

Brett Beauvais (1 assist) I really like this kid, hes very hard to play against. Really good with and without the puck, moves the puck, skates well and gets pucks to the net. Played very well defensively.

Max Coatta Was really skating hard, buzzing in and around the goal didnt get any real good scoring threats but worked and played hard. Very good skater, was hard to contain down low.

Jack Ramsey also played very well up front for Penticton.

Erik Benoit (1 assist) I really like the looks of this kid who has played very well against Vernon since coming over to the Vees from the Western Hockey League. Benoit with atleast three good quality chances in the opening period couldnt get one past Danny Todosychuk.

Patrick Sexton was another Vees defenceman that played very well this evening. A bigger kid was hard to beat one on one dosnt give you alot of room out there.

Nic Pierog (1 assist) I thought was very good, always in and around the net was dangerous at times with & without the puck.

Shane McColgan (1 goal & 1 assist) Also very dangerous, a very smooth slick skating forward who can really dangle was all over the ice tonight.

Brad McClure (1 goal & 1 assist) Also was very good. The Vees captain was very solid through out the hockey game.

Hunter Miska (20 saves) I thought come in and seemed to settle the boys down after coming in for relief of Olivier Mantha who gave up three goals on just five shots. Miska didnt have alot of huge saves to make but did make the saves when needed to give his team a chance to comeback for the win. Miska's biggest save of the night was off Brett Mulcahy on a Viper two on one rush just under two minutes into the 3rd.

Game Thoughts: (Penticton)

After falling behind 2-0 last night vs the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters the Vees were able to come from behind and rally scoring four straight for the 4-2 victory. Tonight was close but couldnt get any bounces as Vernon got a few bounces on atleast three of their goals getting a few breaks thought out the game and were lucky to hang on for the win. The Vees who looked good to start the game couldnt beat Danny Todosychuk early before surrendering three straight goals fell behind early and just couldnt recover. I dont think you can blame the Vees goaltending but Penticton would like to get a save on atleast one of Vernon's first three goals just so its not a big up hill battle to try and come back from down three goals. Penticton who has lost back to back games vs the Vipers within a week was dangerous and looked very strong most of the night. I thought the Vees outplayed Vernon most of the night, Penticton really used their strong cycle down low and their speed to generate and create several good chances. I thought Penticton's defence was solid, really shut down the Viper offence after giving up three quick goals did a good job at not allowing the Vipers to get anything really through the neutral zone. I dont think the Vees liked the physical play much as the game went on Penticton was starting to try and avoid the Viper physical play. Give the Vees credit they did a good job at trying to get under the skin of several Vernon players, suckering them into a few penalties. The Vees are small but are very quick, move the puck well, get into the offensive zone in a hurry and are dangerous down low with and without the puck. With the loss Penticton is now tied for 1st with West Kelowna after the Warriors win over Trail.

Tonight is the seventh and final regular season meeting between the Vipers & Vees. Penticton leads the season series 4-2. The Vipers won the last meeting between these two teams 2-1 in Penticton on February 14th 2014. You can listen to tonight's game live with Graham Turnbull starting with the pre-game show at 6:45pm on 107.5 Kiss FM

The Vernon Vipers are coming off their fourth straight victory and clinched a playoff spot for the first time in three years with a 3-2 overtime win over the visiting Salmon Arm Silverbacks Friday. The Vipers will finish a two game home stand tonight playing their final regular season home game before the playoffs begin. Vernon sits in 3rd place are six points up on 4th place Merritt, four points back of 2nd place West Kelowna and six points back of 1st place Penticton. The Vipers have won four of their last five games and are 6-2-1-1 in their last ten games. Tonight is the third meeting in the last sixteen games between these two clubs as Penticton leads the season series 4-2. The Vees have outscored the Vipers 8-2 in their last two visits to Kal Tire Place. Vernon has won five of their last seven home games.

Brett Mulcahy (29-15-44) leads the Vipers in goals with twenty nine while Michael McNicholas (22-44-66) leads the Vipers in points with sixty six.

The Penticton Vees make their fourth and final visit of the regular season to Kal Tire Place begin a two game road trip tonight. The Vees are coming off a 4-2 win over the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters last night have won two straight and have three wins in their last five games. Penticton is 6-4-0-0 in their last ten games. Penticton sits atop the Interior Division are two points up on 2nd place West Kelowna and six points up on 3rd place Vernon. The Vees have won back to backs games on the road have just three games remaining in the regular season. The Vees have given up a league best 130 goals. Tonight is the second game within a week as the Vipers won 2-1 in Penticton on the 14th.

For more on the Penticton Vees please visit Fraser Rodgers Three Vees blog,

1990 & 1991 Vernon Lakers Inducted Into Okanagan Sports Hall Of Fame

The 1969-70 & 1971-72 Vernon Essos were inducted into the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame in November 2014

1999 Vernon Vipers Inducted Into BC Hockey Hall Of Fame

The 1999 Vernon Vipers were inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame In July 2016

On December 2nd 2017 the Vernon Vipers honoured the 1956 Vernon Canadians and former Vernon Esso's legend Wayne Dye. The 1956 Vernon Canadians Allen Cup banner along side Wayne Dye's #8 Legends banner were raised to the rafters at Kal Tire Place

Kal Tire Place-Home to the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame

The Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1982 through the vision of Vernon resident and sports enthusiast, Nick Alexis. With the support of Vernon City Council, Alexis and a dedicated group of volunteers created a series of outdoor exhibits celebrating the region’s dynamic sporting history in Vernon’s Cenotaph Park. That same year, the new organization unveiled its first round of inductees to the Hall of Fame. Several years later, in 2001, the Hall of Fame moved its exhibits into the newly constructed Vernon Multiplex now known as Kal Tire Place.

About Me

I first created this blog in November of 2008. This coming season will be my ninth season doing this blog. I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and have been going to Junior Hockey games in Vernon since I was a young child. I purchased my first set of season tickets in 1990
I have had season tickets for the last 26 years, Since 1990 I have missed 42 home games.
In September of 2009 I missed my first home game since 2002-03 wich my streak of 236 straight Vipers home games came to an end. Ive missed just three Vipers home games since the 1998-1999 season.
I worked with the Vipers back in 2003-04 as colour comentator helping out with a few games over the internet. In 2011 I helped deisgn, create and put together the Vipers new website for the 2011-12 season. I ran and updated the Vipers website for five seasons, keeping all staff bios and pictures updated, adding new game photos, doing a game preview on game days, as well as adding any Vipers news, scores or BCHL news through out the season.
Over the years I have travelled to Victoria, Dauphin & Camrose to watch the Vipers in the RBC Cup. I was also at the 1990 Centennial Cup & 2014 RBC Cup in Vernon.